asked the Minister for Agriculture if the communal grazing of land, including Land Commission lettings, is contributing to the spread of brucellosis and disease generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Communal Grazing.
30.
Mr. Kitt
I have no evidence as to the extent to which the communal grazing of land, including Land Commission lettings, may be contributing to the spread of brucellosis and disease generally. The Land Commission and the district veterinary offices of my Department are however very concerned to ensure that no spread of disease is likely to occur as a result of any lettings made to farmers. With a view to minimising the disease risk there is an arrangement in operation in some counties whereby only herdowners who can produce to the Land Commission a certificate from the district veterinary offices that their herds are clear of brucellosis will be allowed to rent land from the Land Commission. I intend to ask the Land Commission to consider introducing this arrangement into the remaining counties comprising the brucellosis free and clearance areas. The Department would also like to restrict communal grazing of land, including Land Commission lettings, to the grazing of bullocks as an added precaution against the spread of brucellosis but before this can be introduced the legal position must be examined. Arrangements for this examination are being put in hands.
In my area the Land Commission strictly adhere to the rules; only bullocks can be placed on such land.
The Land Commission are adhering to the rules but it is not always easy to get those who rent the land to adhere to them.
They must adhere to the rules in my area and I should like to know if this is not general throughout the country. If it is not the disease is being spread all over the place. In my area the Land Commission insist on nothing but bullocks being placed on such land.
That is so in Galway but only in Galway. The farmers there are exceptionally good in this regard.
If there is an outbreak of brucellosis it will not be the fault of the Land Commission because, according to the Minister, Galway is a model.
It is doing very well in this regard although it is wrong in many other ways. That county is giving a very good lead as far as brucellosis is concerned.